King James Version

What Does Numbers 5:26 Mean?

Numbers 5:26 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterwa...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.”

Numbers 5:26 · KJV

Context

24

And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.

25

Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar:

26

And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.

27

And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.

28

And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

Read Numbers 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Taking a handful of the memorial offering and burning it on the altar mirrors the standard grain offering procedure, but in this context, it serves as a memorial before God of the suspected transgression. The burning creates smoke that ascends to God, bringing the matter formally into His presence. Only after this memorial is made does the woman drink the bitter water. This sequence teaches that accusation, memorialization before God, and divine judgment must follow proper order. The Reformed emphasis on God's ordained means applies even to matters of judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The memorial portion (Hebrew 'azkarah') of grain offerings was always burned on the altar while the priests ate the remainder. This portion served as a representative sample that brought the entire offering before God. Here, it memorialized the allegation being tested.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the memorial aspect of this offering teach about bringing our grievances before God?
  2. How does the required sequence of events demonstrate the importance of following God's prescribed order?
  3. In what ways does the ascending smoke symbolize our prayers and petitions rising to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְקָמַ֨ץ1 of 14

“shall take an handful”

H7061

to grasp with the hand

הַכֹּהֵ֤ן2 of 14

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מִן3 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמִּנְחָה֙4 of 14

“of the offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

אֶת5 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔הּ6 of 14

“even the memorial”

H234

a reminder; specifically remembrance-offering

וְהִקְטִ֖יר7 of 14

“thereof and burn”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה8 of 14

“it upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

וְאַחַ֛ר9 of 14

“and afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יַשְׁקֶ֥ה10 of 14

“to drink”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

אֶת11 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה12 of 14

“shall cause the woman”

H802

a woman

אֶת13 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמָּֽיִם׃14 of 14

“the water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 5:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 5:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:2Leviticus 5:12Leviticus 2:9Leviticus 6:15

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